NSU's Meuleners goes for 3rd straight D-II title

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
December 17, 2012 6:44 PM


Matt Meuleners has no problem taking down an opponent.

Pat Timm, NSU Wrestling Coach says:"You see heavyweights that just kind of stand around and wrestle with each other and Matt is not like that... he has a lot of offense and it's just a joy to coach..."

The only division two heavyweight wrestler to win back to back NCAA championshimps is in his senior year.. and hungry for another title.

Matt Meuleners-NSU Senior:"I want to win another one and I always want the team to do good too. So this year it's focusing on winning another one and hopefully getting another 2 or 3 guys in the tournament."

Pat Timm:"It's one of those things where we'll have little mini goals and little things we look for but the ultimate goal is to win another national title and go out his senior year as a 3 time national champ."

Last year Meuleners took down St. Cloud State’s Jake Kahnke to win his second championship.. Meuleners beat the heavyweight from St. Cloud the year before to win his first championship..

This year his only loss was to the number one ranked wrestler in division one. but Meuleners still holds the number one ranking in D-II... and he notices the extra pressure with being the top dog.

Matt Meuleners:"I can feel more people probably watching or like they guys that I'm wrestling give me a little extra than what they give a guy they don't know anything about."

Win or lose come national tournament time Meuleners has a larger goal..   

Matt Meuleners:"Go and train for the Olympics somewhere."

The 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janero may seem like a ways away... but Meuleners couldn't imagine not taking his skills to the mat.

Matt Meuleners:"I guess it's just normal for me like I've always been wrestling since I was four so it's all I know."

Chasing a rare chance for back to back to back championships.. Matt Meuleners hopes his success at the collegiate level is just the begining..